Brad Underwood didn’t hold back after the Nebraska loss, publicly calling out David Mirkovic and benching him for the final 12 minutes — but was he right? In today’s episode, Sunny breaks down the film, the body language, and the full context behind Mirkovic’s worst performance of the year. We dig into why his defensive weaknesses were exposed, why his decision-making spiraled, and why Underwood chose this moment to challenge him so directly. Sunny also explains Underwood’s history of only criticizing players he believes can handle it, why this doesn’t necessarily signal a transfer risk, and what Illinois needs from Mirkovic to reach its ceiling. Plus, player grades for the Nebraska game — including big nights from Keaton Wagler, Andrej Stojakovic, and Kylan Boswell — and why Monday’s matchup with Missouri may tell us everything about where the season is headed.

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Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! 

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For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonillini.supercast.com/ 
 

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